Bergen in winter: what to do and our tips for planning your trip

Wondering about the best things to see and do in Bergen in winter? Which winter activities should you not miss in Bergen?

For this visit to Norway’s second-largest city, we chose to explore it in the depths of winter. We wanted to discover the city and its fjord under a blanket of snow, and we weren’t disappointed! We made the most of a few days off in February to explore the city in winter, with snow all around.

We’ve already told you about our summer visit to Bergen. In this article, we’ve focused on the winter activities you can enjoy in Bergen. We also explain what clothes to pack to keep out the cold.

1. The historic Bryggen district

This is the must-see district in Bergen. Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its colourful façades and cobbled streets dating back to the days of the Hanseatic League, is even more charming in the snow. Just as in Trondheim in winter, the colours contrast beautifully with the white snow. Its colourful houses are home to souvenir shops, cafés and restaurants.

Our first visit was in the height of summer, at the same time as a huge cruise ship, so we enjoyed this district more on our winter visit.

We took the opportunity to warm up in a café while enjoying the view of the snow-covered quays, something that would have been unthinkable in the height of summer because of the crowds.

2. Head up for the views

• Option 1: Mount Fløyen is one of the 7 hills surrounding Bergen and offers incredible views of the city and its surroundings. The ride up on the funicular (Fløibanen, open all year round) gradually reveals the snow-covered city from a new angle.

Locals take the funicular up and then sledge back down. It’s really fun to watch and quite a change of scene. As for us, we mainly wanted to walk around the area near the funicular and on to the lake, which was completely frozen over. Make sure you’re properly equipped to make the most of it.

One-way ticket: 60 NOK per adult (about €5)

• Option 2: Mount Ulriken is the highest of the seven peaks surrounding Bergen, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city, the fjords and the surrounding mountains.

For an easy way up, take the Ulriksbanen cable car, which climbs to more than 640 metres above sea level in just a few minutes.

The cable car ride is an experience in itself, with breathtaking scenery unfolding as you climb. Once at the top, several hiking trails let you continue your adventure out in nature.

3. A winter cruise on the fjord

You can visit the fjords even in winter! The boats have well-heated cabins, and blankets are available on the outdoor decks.

But what exactly is a fjord? We asked ourselves the same question while planning our trip. A fjord is an arm of the sea enclosed by steep mountains or cliffs (so yes, it’s salt water). After exploring the Lysefjord further south, we were delighted to discover another one, as this is, of course, a must-do in Norway.

The Osterfjorden is the closest fjord to Bergen, and many cruises (even in winter) depart from Bergen harbour and head to the village of Mostraumen at the far end of the fjord.

We boarded a small boat. As always, entering a fjord by boat is an impressive experience: you feel tiny surrounded by the towering cliffs.

For 3 hours 30 minutes, we cruised along the calm waters of the fjord, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. We were able to get right up close to the waterfalls, which were frozen this time.

➡️ A quick tip: don't forget to book your tickets for this Osterfjorden cruise online in advance (around €70 per person). Wrap up warm so you can enjoy the outdoor areas.

4. Hanseatic Museum

We took advantage of our winter visit to learn something new while keeping warm indoors. Of Bergen's museums, we chose the Hanseatic Museum, where you can delve into the city's rich trading history during the days of the Hanseatic League, a powerful federation that controlled several northern ports.

Through its authentic, well-preserved exhibits, this museum in a former warehouse in Bryggen offers a glimpse into the lives of medieval merchants, showing how they lived and worked in this strategically important port city. It's a very informative visit covering a period of history we knew nothing about.

Price: 130 NOK per adult

5. Hiking to Trolltunga in winter

The famous hike to Trolltunga in Norway takes you to the incredible ‘Troll's Tongue’, a rock ledge jutting out above Lake Ringedal. The views are magnificent. Matthieu did this hike on his own in June and loved it. You can find our complete guide to Trolltunga here..

The starting point is about 3 hours from Bergen, and in winter you can go with a guide. Click on the links below for all the details.

6. Bergen in gingerbread

Pepperkakebyen, or Bergen's gingerbread town, is a one-of-a-kind event where you can admire a miniature replica of Bergen made entirely from gingerbread.

It is the largest town of its kind in the world, recreating iconic buildings, the harbour, the Fløibanen funicular and the houses, all made from gingerbread, icing sugar and sweets. This magical display takes place every year over the Christmas period, from mid-November to late December. You can find all the details on the official website.

We weren’t there at the right time of year, and it almost makes us want to go back! If you’ve been, feel free to tell us about it in the comments.

7. Northern lights in Bergen

Although you have a better chance of seeing the northern lights in Tromso or Tromdheim (the Norwegian cities closest to the North Pole), you can see them here too if conditions are right.

The NorwayLights app, provided by the Norwegian tourist board, shows the likelihood of seeing the northern lights on a map.

You’ll need to get away from the city, of course, and Mount Fløyen looks like a good spot!

The northern lights season runs from late September until spring. If you’d like to learn more about this phenomenon, which we find incredible, we recommend (as we often do) the videos by Jamy from the well-known programme C’est pas Sorcier.

We haven’t been lucky enough to see them yet ourselves. It’s one of our dreams, and an excellent reason to return to northern Scandinavia in winter.

Our tips for visiting Bergen in winter

Winter temperatures in Bergen

Bergen has long winters. Temperatures and daylight levels drop sharply from early November.

Bergen is on the west coast. The good news is that, thanks to its proximity to the Gulf Stream, temperatures rarely drop very low, averaging 2.5 degrees in winter.

On the other hand, it’s known as one of Europe’s rainiest cities, so be prepared for rain or snow. Still, with the right clothing, it’s perfectly possible to enjoy the city to the full (and that’s coming from someone who really feels the cold).

In winter, from December to February, average temperatures generally fall within the following ranges:

• December: Temperatures in Bergen generally range from 1°C to 5°C, but can sometimes dip slightly below zero, especially on clear, windless nights.

• January: This is often the coldest month in Bergen, with average temperatures ranging from -2°C to 4°C. Freezing days are uncommon, but temperatures can drop as low as -7°C during cold spells.

• February: Conditions in Bergen in February are similar to those in January, with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 6°C. 

It’s also worth noting that Norwegians are well used to these harsh winters, and everything is set up so you can get around even in the snow.

One small tip: be prepared to get up early to make the most of the short days, as the sun sets between 3pm and 4pm. We also recommend planning your visits carefully, as everything closes very early at this time of year.

What to wear in winter

As you may have read in our other articles, we believe there’s no such thing as bad weather, just unsuitable clothing. So pack carefully for your stay in Trondheim to make the most of the outdoor activities.

In winter, we recommend the tried-and-tested layering technique, which involves wearing several layers of clothing. We’ve tried this ourselves on our various winter trips to Scandinavia and can vouch for it.

The idea is to wear several layers of clothing that you can add or remove as the temperature and your activity level change, keeping you comfortable, dry and at the right temperature throughout the day. Ideally, wear three main layers.

Here’s a list of clothes to pack:

1. Base layer: thermal top (heattech or wool). This is the layer that sits directly against your skin. Its main purpose is to wick away sweat to keep you dry. Materials such as merino wool or technical fabrics are preferable for their moisture-wicking properties. Personally, I often wear 2 base layers: a vest and a heattech thermal top. Avoid cotton.
   
2. Mid layer: warm woollen jumper or fleece. This layer provides insulation to keep you warm. It traps warm air close to your body. Wool or insulating synthetic fabrics are often used for this layer.
   
3. Outer layer: windproof fleece jacket, ideally Gore Tex. This outer layer protects you from the elements, such as wind, rain or snow. It should be waterproof and windproof while allowing moisture to escape, preventing overheating or a build-up of moisture inside.

For your lower half, pack woollen tights, ski trousers, woollen socks and fur-lined hiking boots that are, above all, waterproof and non-slip. Don’t forget the essential trio: gloves, a hat plus a balaclava, and a scarf.

Two final little things to pop in your suitcase: a flask to keep a hot drink handy, and a head torch, as it gets dark quickly. Bergen city centre is well lit, but you can take the torch with you if you go for a walk outside the city.

Practical information (hotels, restaurants…)

Where to stay in Bergen

In Bergen, as elsewhere in Norway, accommodation prices can come as a surprise. Bear in mind that the cost of living in Norway is around 30% higher than in France.

For decent, well-located accommodation in Bergen, you’ll generally need to budget around €150-€200 per night.

People often write to us asking for tips on keeping costs down on a trip to Norway. We recommend renting an apartment. This also lets you cook your own meals, saving money during your stay in a country where the cost of living is high.

Where to eat in Bergen?

• BOD24 Sandviken is a charming café with a very cosy atmosphere, away from the tourist area, with lovely views over the harbour. An ideal place to warm up.
  
• Good bread Marken: this is an excellent bakery with organic sweet and savoury options. It is a small Norwegian chain with shops only in city centres. We also visited its branches in Stavanger and Tromheim.
  
  It is a great option for good-quality food at affordable prices right in the centre. You can also buy their focaccia to make your own sandwiches. We also recommend the Kanelboller, or cinnamon buns, or the cream-filled buns (I have a slight preference for the latter).

How to get to Bergen?

• By plane: Bergen Airport is 30 minutes from the city by bus. A shuttle bus takes you into the city for 155 NOK return (around €16). If you have hired a car, the collection point is usually Bergen Airport.

• By coach: Long-distance coach services operated by Nor-Way Bussekspress connect Bergen with other major Norwegian cities such as Stavanger and Oslo, even in winter..
  
• By ferry: to save you many kilometres of driving on winding roads, ferries connect Bergen with Oslo and Stavanger with Bergen. You can compare prices on Direct Ferries.

Bergen in winter: what to do? Our tips for planning your trip

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We hope this article helps you plan your visit and make the most of everything Bergen has to offer. And who knows, perhaps, like us, you’ll fall under the spell of this Norwegian city’s unique charm. We recommend exploring Geirangerfjord or the Trollstigen road, a few hours’ drive away.

Feel free to leave us a little message or 5 stars below, and let us know if you’re planning this trip. You can also ask us any questions below or on Instagram. We’ll be very happy to reply.